BURSTThe Okanagan Humane Society (OHS) and other humane societies across B.C. are sounding the alarm about what they are calling a rapidly escalating pet overpopulation crisis.
According to OHS, thousands of animals are at risk across the province, which has been fuelled by backyard breeding, unplanned litters, and growing populations of dogs and cats.
“Over the past few years, we’ve lost momentum as humane societies have been swamped and overcome with massive numbers of animals in need,” said OHS operations director Romany Runnalls. “Today, the need is greater than anything we’ve experienced.”
OHS said in a press release that humane societies across B.C. are seeing spay, neuter, and medical assistance reach record levels as the number of animals in need continues to grow.
OHS believes the cost of living is playing a role in the current pet overpopulation crisis, reaching out to the community for help.
“As the need continues to grow, community support has never been more important. Every donation helps provide lifesaving spay and neuter surgeries for animals whose families cannot afford veterinary care, while also preventing thousands of future animals from being born into homelessness, neglect and suffering,” said OHS.
OHS tells Black Press Media the organization recently took in a mother Maremma Sheepdog and her nine puppies after three had already died after birth.
Penticton Animal Control gathered the mother and her remaining pups, ultimately giving them a chance at life.
“The puppies began to decline, and testing confirmed they had Parvo, a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease that can be especially devastating to young puppies. Sadly, one little puppy became critically ill and, despite the team’s best efforts, did not survive,” explained Runnalls.
According to OHS, after hard work and dedication from Penticton Animal Control, the puppies rebounded back to health and were connected with OHS, who stepped in to ensure the animals received veterinary care and a safe foster home where they wait to be adopted.
As overpopulation continues, OHS stands by its mission to spread the word and importance of spaying and neutering animals.
“Spay and neuter is the single most effective way to reduce animal suffering. It prevents countless unwanted litters, reduces the risk of life-threatening infections and certain cancers, improves health and behaviour, and most importantly, breaks the heartbreaking cycle of homelessness and suffering for future generations of animals,” said Runnalls.
OHS believes spaying a female cat can stop the production of hundreds of kittens and that the prevention of one unplanned litter can save generations of animals from hunger, disease, abandonment and life on the street.
The Humane Societies of British Columbia are calling on all animal lovers to stand with them in addressing this growing crisis.